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Massport Approves General Aviation Development at Worcester Regional Airport and L.G. Hanscom Field New Fixed Base-Operator to generate 103 new jobs at regional airports

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) Board today gave the go-ahead to Bedford-based Rectrix Aviation to develop Fixed Base-Operator (FBO) facilities at Worcester Regional Airport and L.G. Hanscom Field. Last Fall Massport issued a Request for Proposals for the development of first-class FBO facilities to support current general aviation activity, attract new aviation business and accommodate future demand. The RFP required the developer to provide FBO services at both airports.

The new Rectrix Aviation FBO will over time add approximately 100 new jobs to Massachusetts including flight crews with salaries up to $105,000, mechanics with salaries ranging between $22 and $50 per hour and FBO customer service and ramp employees ranging between $12.50 and $45 per hour. A fixed-base operator is the primary provider of support services to general aviation aircraft and offers services such as aircraft parking and fueling, maintenance and hangar facilities at an airport. Rectrix’s Worcester facility will include a regional aircraft maintenance facility that is expected to establish the airport as a destination for aircraft maintenance.

“Massachusetts’ public airports generate significant economic activity for all regions of the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “By partnering with Recrtrix Aviation, the Commonwealth will enhance services for two of the state’s growing regional airports.”

Under the terms of the proposed lease agreement, Rectrix Aviation will invest approximately $5 million to develop 27,000 square feet of hangar and office space at Worcester Airport and $15 million to develop approximately 96,000 square feet of hangar and office space at Hanscom Field. Each facility will be sized to accommodate the new large corporate aircraft such as the Gulfstream 650 and Global 7000. Both developments are scheduled to be complete in two years and meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification standards as established by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Massport is an economic catalyst managing its facilities to support economic development. With our ownership of Worcester Airport, we were able to leverage the benefits of both airports to offer quality development programs to meet the demand for business aviation in Massachusetts," said Massport Interim CEO David Mackey. "Businesses rely on corporate aircraft to conduct business - it's an extension of the board room. We're happy to welcome Rectrix Aviation to Worcester Airport and look forward to their continued success at Hanscom Field."

Rectrix Aviation is a Massachusetts based company with corporate headquarters at Hanscom Field. Rectrix operates two FBO facilities: one at Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts and the second at Sarasota Airport in Florida. In 2011, the Sarasota facility was voted by pilots as one of the top 20 facilities in the U.S. In both 2010 and 2011, Rectrix was awarded a Platinum Rating from Argus International, the prestigious aviation operations audit group, for its safety practices and policies.

“As a Massachusetts-based aviation company I cannot tell you how excited we are to be involved in the next generation of the general aviation sector at Worcester and Hanscom. There is an economic resurgence ahead and Rectrix has positioned itself to be in the forefront, and what better place to do so than in the Commonwealth,” said Rectrix President and CEO Richard Cawley.”The labor pool here is excellent and we anticipate the addition of over a hundred jobs over the next few years. Massport recognized this opportunity and is promoting sustainable growth. The new generation of aircraft coming on line is very sensitive to the environment and both Worcester and Hanscom are perfect locations for this efficient growth.”

In a related matter, the Massport Board also approved a term sheet with Jet Aviation, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, to replace one of its existing hangars at Hanscom Field with a new and more modern 40,000 square foot hangar. The replacement hangar will be able to accommodate the newer and larger corporate aviation aircraft that have global reach. The development will include passenger amenities areas, office space, aircraft ramp space and landscape improvements. The replacement hangar will be built adjacent to Jet Aviation’s existing facilities and will include up to 30 new permanent airport jobs.

Worcester Regional Airport serves Worcester County, the second fastest growing county in Massachusetts, along with the Boston Metro West region and the bustling Interstate 495 corridor. Hanscom Field is located in Bedford MA and is a vital link to domestic and international destinations. With its modern facilities, Hanscom is New England’s premier full-service corporate and general aviation airport. A Massachusetts Department of Transportation economic impact study found that Worcester Regional Airport contributes $51.5 million to the regional economy and Hanscom Field $249 million.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England.